For a few days now, Google Maps has allowed the route you are following to be displayed directly on the lock screen. This means that it will no longer be necessary to unlock your cell phone or have the app open to know what turn is coming up, the remaining distance or even the estimated time of arrival.

For this to work, you must first have the updated version of Google Maps; For now, the new feature has begun rolling out to beta users and will gradually roll out to the rest. Once available, simply start your route, for example, by walking—this is especially useful when you're on the go and don't want to constantly unlock your device.

Once you've started navigating, you can exit the app or turn off the screen. When you turn on your phone, you'll see a multimedia-style notification on the lock screen showing key directions: turns, distances, estimated time, and more. When driving, a color code may even appear indicating traffic on the next section.

What does it offer and why is this feature useful?

It's a very practical solution to one of the biggest drawbacks of Google Maps: having to keep the screen on all the time while navigating. That drained battery life and was inconvenient, especially if you're walking or just want to use your phone occasionally.

Now, with this feature, you can follow your route without having to constantly unlock or return to Maps. The notification persists even if you open other apps, so your route isn't lost. Plus, if you accidentally exit the wrong app, the notification lets you jump right back into navigation with a single tap.

This is especially helpful if you're walking in the city and want to discreetly see where you're going, or if you're driving and prefer a quick glance without your route being hidden. The feature is akin to Android's "live updates," which persist on the lock screen like an important information card.

How to disable this feature if it doesn't suit you

If you don't want Maps to show these notifications on your lock screen, you have complete control over it. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage applications > Google Maps > Notifications. There, under "Navigation," you can disable the Lock screen option.

This way, you can decide if you prefer to keep the screen clear or if you prefer to always have directions at hand while you're on the road.

With this update, Google Maps shows that it's focused on making your life easier, without sacrificing battery life or forcing you to keep your phone in your hand all the time. Now you can move around more freely, just by glancing briefly at the lock screen and knowing exactly where to go.